Rep. Brett Barker

Maddy summaryHF 2476 allows Iowans with nonapparent disabilities - such as autism spectrum disorder, mental disabilities, or developmental disabilities - to request a special mark on their driver’s license or nonoperator ID card. The mark would feature a butterfly design approved by the Iowa Department of Transportation or another method the department deems sufficient to indicate the disability. Individuals must apply when renewing or initially obtaining the license/ID and may need to provide medical proof. The department will note this status in its electronic database for law enforcement access and create educational materials about the option.

Maddy summaryHF 2312 creates an affordable housing task force to study state and local regulations that increase housing costs, focusing on zoning, building codes, permitting processes, and funding mechanisms. The task force, composed of agency representatives, housing developers, city/county officials, and legislators, will examine how these rules impact affordability while balancing public health and safety. It must submit a report by December 1, 2026, with recommendations to reduce regulatory barriers for affordable housing development. The bill directly affects housing developers, local governments, and state agencies by requiring them to participate in this review process.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Iowa's drug paraphernalia law to explicitly exempt two items: (1) hypodermic needles/syringes manufactured or used for lawful purposes (confirming an existing exemption), and (2) equipment used to test for fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, or drug adulterants in controlled substances. It directly affects healthcare workers, law enforcement, and harm reduction programs that use fentanyl testing kits or similar tools. The key mechanism removes these testing tools from the legal definition of "drug paraphernalia," preventing criminal penalties for their lawful possession or use. This change aligns with broader efforts to support evidence-based drug safety initiatives without altering penalties for other paraphernalia.

Maddy summaryHF 2428 allows Iowa townships to use funds set aside for fire protection (up to 30 cents per $1,000 of property value) to build new fire stations, in addition to their current use for equipment and supplies. This bill directly affects townships that collect fire protection levies, expanding how they can allocate reserve funds. The key change modifies existing law to explicitly permit construction costs for fire stations as a qualified use of the reserve account. Townships will now have more flexibility in planning long-term fire service infrastructure with these dedicated funds. The bill does not change the maximum levy amount or affect property taxes.

Maddy summaryHJR 2004 is a joint resolution from the Iowa General Assembly requesting Congress to call an Article V convention. It seeks to propose constitutional amendments that would limit federal government power and jurisdiction, impose fiscal restraints on federal spending, and restrict terms for members of Congress and federal officials. The resolution serves as a continuing application to Congress until two-thirds of states similarly apply or Iowa withdraws, and requires the Secretary of State to transmit certified copies to federal and state officials. This is a procedural request, not a law, and does not change current federal authority.

Maddy summaryHF 2402 allows registered veterinary technicians to administer rabies vaccines to animals under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, expanding who can perform this common procedure. The bill amends Iowa law to specifically permit veterinary technicians (who have completed accredited programs and passed certification exams) to give rabies vaccinations when working under a supervising veterinarian, following defined supervision levels. It requires the vaccine to be approved by the state agriculture department and mandates that a vaccination tag be attached to the animal's collar. This change directly affects veterinary technicians, veterinarians, and pet owners who need rabies vaccinations for their dogs.

Maddy summaryHF 2370 creates a confidential "green alert" system in Iowa for missing at-risk veterans, defined as those reported missing due to mental health crises, substance issues, or other well-being concerns. The system requires verification by a peace officer before activating a nonpublic alert shared only with specific agencies (like law enforcement, hospitals, and veteran support groups) to locate the veteran and provide voluntary assistance. It prohibits using the alert for arrests without independent probable cause, mandates 72-hour reviews, and penalizes false reports as a simple misdemeanor. The bill prioritizes de-escalation and trauma-informed responses while protecting veterans' privacy through strict data handling.

Maddy summaryHF 2137 establishes licensing requirements for businesses that remove and dispose of wild animal carcasses from public or private land, including roads. These businesses must obtain a license from Iowa's natural resource commission, which specifies their operating area, with nonresidents paying a fee (unless their state has a reciprocity agreement) and residents receiving free area permits. The bill also requires businesses to maintain detailed records of carcass removals and disposals (including location and date) and submit an annual report by May 15, while mandating that deer antlers be delivered to a conservation officer for disposal. This directly affects commercial carcass removal services operating across Iowa's public and private lands.

Maddy summaryHF 2187 requires Iowa school district boards to allow "youth-oriented community organizations" (like Scouts or 4-H, defined by federal law) reasonable access to school property. These groups can distribute materials and provide instruction to encourage participation, but only outside of classroom time and during after-school events when reasonably accommodated. School boards must establish rules to protect students, staff, and school property, explicitly prohibiting interference with teaching hours. The bill directly affects school districts and these specific youth organizations by mandating access under defined conditions.

Maddy summaryHF 2077 modifies Iowa's education funding rules to allow school districts to use money from the Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) fund for increased insurance costs associated with employing individuals who hold professional permits to carry weapons under state law. The bill expands the definition of "school infrastructure" under the SAVE fund to specifically include these higher insurance premiums. This change directly affects school districts that hire permit holders for security roles, providing funding flexibility for related insurance expenses. The policy change is purely procedural, clarifying eligible uses of existing SAVE fund resources without altering the fund's overall purpose or creating new financial obligations.